No abstract

EBV-associated cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is characterized by a long interval between the initiation of immunosuppression and the development of lymphoma. Although previous reports have reported an indolent clinical course, an aggressive clinical course may occur. HHV8 and lytic phase EBV antigens are detected in some cases, possibly suggesting a pathogenetic role.

De novo intraepidermal epithelioid melanocytic dysplasia is a distinct entity associated with an atypical mole phenotype and a personal and/or family history of melanoma.

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is held to be an idiopathic degenerative process involving the upper dermis of the auricular rim. Chondrodermatitis typically occurs in elderly men where associations with underlying trauma and sun exposure have been postulated as potential inciting triggers. Its association as a marker of systemic disease is not well established. We describe 24 patients with CNH, in whom there were also significant underlying diseases largely associated with vascular injury including those of immune-based etiology and/or conditions which have been previously linked with granuloma annulare, another necrobiotic process of collagen. These patients with concomitant systemic disease were characteristically younger compared to the classic demographics described for CNH. In some cases, chondrodermatitis may represent an ischemic necrobiotic disorder of collagen, potentially defining an important sign of underlying systemic disease in younger patients.

Rituximab may be associated with the emergence of CD20-negative B-cell clones, potentially rendering a tumor insensitive to this drug. Conversely, following cessation of the drug, a re-expression of CD20 within the neoplastic cells may occur allowing therapeutic intervention with this monoclonal antibody. The loss of CD20 expression appears to be a direct effect of the drug on CD20 messenger RNA synthesis.